Quick Analysis
Bajaj Dominar 400
27.5 pts
Unweighted: 19 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Honda Activa DLX
5.0 pts
Unweighted: 5 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid‑cooled | Air Cooled |
| Displacement | 349.13 cc | 109.51 cc |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, DOHC, 4‑valve, Fuel Injected | 4 stroke, SI Engine |
| Power | 40.6 PS @ 9000 rpm | 7.99 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 33.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 9.05 Nm @ 5500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 L | 5.3 L |
| Mileage | — | 59.5 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 190 | 106 |
| Seat Height | 800 | 764 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual‑channel ABS | No |
| Front Brake | Disc (320 mm) with dual-channel ABS | 130 mm Drum |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, 43 mm USD Fork, Wheel Travel - 135 mm | Telescopic |
| Rear Brake | Disc (230 mm) with dual-channel ABS | 130 mm Drum |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-step Adjustable Mono Shock with Nitrox, Wheel Travel - 110 mm | 3 Step Adjustable Unit Swing |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/70‑17 tubeless | 90/90-12 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/60‑17 tubeless | 90/100-10 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Full‑LED with Auto Headlamp On (AHO) | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V, 8 Ah VRLA | 12 V, 5.0 Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/D400-Green.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Gray-metallic-1.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Igneous-black-1.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Red-metallic-1.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Siren-blue-1.avif |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/White-1.avif |
| Cluster | Bonded digital LCD with turn‑by‑turn navigation | TFT Screen Display |
| Color Options | Aurora Green | #4A5D23 Charcoal Black | #232323 | Pearl Precious White | #F3F2EC Pearl Siren Blue | #1E5FA8 Decent Blue Metallic | #3E6F9B Rebel Red Metallic | #B11F2A Pearl Igneous Black | #121214 Mat Axis Gray Metallic | #64676B |
| Cons | Heavy Kerb Weight – The motorcycle remains noticeably heavier than many rivals, especially during parking manoeuvres, low-speed riding, and congested city traffic. Heat Felt in Slow Traffic – The larger liquid-cooled engine can generate noticeable heat around the rider's legs during prolonged stop-and-go conditions. Fuel Efficiency Lower Than Smaller Motorcycles – Compared to 250cc and commuter-oriented motorcycles, fuel consumption is relatively higher, particularly during aggressive riding. Less Agile in Urban Conditions – While highly stable on highways, the motorcycle can feel less nimble than lighter street bikes in tight traffic situations. 13-Litre Fuel Tank Could Be Larger for Touring – Riders covering long highway distances may prefer a larger fuel tank to reduce the frequency of refuelling stops. Weight May Challenge New Riders – The motorcycle's size, power output, and kerb weight can take time to get used to for inexperienced riders. Premium Maintenance Costs – Tyres, brake components, and routine servicing generally cost more than those of smaller-capacity motorcycles. Advanced Electronics Still Limited – Some competitors now offer ride-by-wire throttles, TFT displays, multiple riding modes, and traction control systems that are absent on the Dominar 400. Suspension Setup Prioritizes Stability Over Agility – The motorcycle focuses more on highway comfort and stability than sharp cornering responsiveness. | Feature List Is Relatively Basic – Compared with some modern competitors, the DLX variant does not offer Bluetooth connectivity, navigation features, or advanced digital functions. Engine Prioritizes Efficiency Over Performance – Riders looking for stronger acceleration or a sportier riding experience may find the scooter's performance modest. Drum Brake Setup at Both Ends – The braking system remains simple and lacks the front disc brake offered by some competitors. Storage Space Is Average for the Segment – While practical, the underseat storage is not among the largest available in the scooter market. High-Speed Riding Is Not Its Main Strength – The scooter feels most comfortable in urban environments rather than sustained highway travel. |
| Detailed Overview | Long highway stretches are where the Bajaj Dominar 400 feels most at home. Unlike motorcycles that focus primarily on urban commuting or outright sport riding, the Dominar 400 is built around the idea of covering distance while maintaining comfort and stability. Its substantial dimensions, muscular fuel tank, upright riding posture, and touring-oriented equipment create a motorcycle that is equally capable of handling daily travel and extended weekend rides. At the heart of the motorcycle is a 349cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that produces around 40 PS of power and 33.2 Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed gearbox, the engine delivers performance across a broad rev range, allowing riders to accelerate confidently, maintain highway cruising speeds, and overtake slower traffic without frequent downshifts. The liquid-cooling system helps regulate engine temperatures during demanding riding conditions, while fuel injection contributes to smooth throttle response and consistent power delivery. The motorcycle’s overall design reflects its touring-focused nature. A compact windscreen sits above the LED headlamp, helping reduce wind pressure on the rider during highway travel. The sculpted fuel tank, split-seat arrangement, and exposed perimeter frame give the motorcycle a muscular appearance, while LED lighting throughout the motorcycle adds a modern touch. The bodywork remains functional rather than overly aggressive, prioritizing rider comfort and practicality over track-inspired styling. Supporting the engine is a perimeter frame chassis combined with upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock suspension system. This setup is designed to provide stability at higher speeds while maintaining comfort across varying road conditions. Whether travelling on smooth highways or encountering uneven road surfaces, the suspension works to absorb impacts and maintain composure. The motorcycle’s relatively long wheelbase further contributes to its planted feel during long-distance riding. Stopping power comes from disc brakes at both ends, assisted by dual-channel ABS. The braking system is intended to provide controlled deceleration while reducing the chances of wheel lock-up under hard braking conditions. An assist-and-slipper clutch is also included, helping reduce clutch effort in everyday riding and improving stability during rapid downshifts. Technology and convenience features form another important part of the package. The digital instrument cluster displays essential riding information, including speed, fuel level, trip readings, gear position, and navigation-related data. Bluetooth connectivity allows integration with compatible smartphones for call alerts, message notifications, and turn-by-turn navigation. These features are aimed at riders who spend extended periods on the road and require easy access to travel information. Comfort remains central to the riding experience. A wide handlebar, upright seating position, and spacious seat help reduce fatigue during longer journeys. The 800 mm seat height accommodates a broad range of riders, while the 13-litre fuel tank provides a practical riding range between fuel stops. Together, these elements create a motorcycle that combines touring capability, modern technology, and everyday usability within the premium sports tourer segment. | The Honda Activa DLX is positioned as a commuter scooter designed around everyday transportation needs. It sits above the base Activa variant and includes a few additional convenience features, while retaining the same core mechanical package. The scooter follows a simple approach: provide a practical, easy-to-operate vehicle for daily travel through city streets, residential areas, and short intercity routes. At the heart of the Activa DLX is a 109.51cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. The engine uses fuel injection, which replaces older carburetor systems and allows fuel delivery to be controlled more precisely. This helps maintain consistent performance under different riding conditions while also supporting fuel efficiency. The engine produces around 7.8 bhp and 8.9 Nm of torque, figures that are typical for a scooter intended primarily for commuting rather than performance riding. Like most modern scooters, the Activa DLX uses a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Instead of selecting gears manually, the transmission automatically adjusts itself according to speed and throttle input. This means the rider only needs to operate the throttle and brakes, making the scooter particularly convenient in traffic where frequent stops and starts are common. Honda incorporates its Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology into the engine package. This system includes measures intended to reduce internal mechanical losses and improve efficiency. Another part of the package is the Idling Stop System. When the scooter remains stationary for a brief period, the engine automatically turns off. Once the rider twists the throttle, the engine restarts. This feature is especially useful in urban environments with frequent traffic signals. The scooter is built around an underbone frame. This type of chassis is widely used in scooters because it allows the familiar step-through design that makes getting on and off the vehicle easy. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a rear shock absorber. The suspension is designed to handle everyday road conditions such as potholes, uneven surfaces, and speed breakers commonly encountered during city commuting. Braking duties are managed by drum brakes at both ends. Honda’s Combined Braking System (CBS) is included as standard. When the rider applies the rear brake, the system distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels to provide more balanced braking during normal riding situations. The Activa DLX weighs approximately 106 kg, which helps keep the scooter manageable during low-speed riding and parking manoeuvres. The seat height is around 692 mm, making it accessible to a wide range of riders. The fuel tank holds 5.3 litres, while under-seat storage provides space for carrying everyday items such as documents, groceries, or personal belongings. One of the practical additions on the DLX variant is the external fuel-filler cap. This allows refuelling without opening the seat, simplifying the process at fuel stations. The instrument cluster combines analogue and digital elements, displaying information such as speed, fuel level, and basic trip data. The layout remains straightforward and easy to read while riding. In terms of styling, the Activa DLX maintains the familiar design language that has been associated with the Activa range for many years. Smooth body panels, restrained graphics, and a compact overall shape give it a functional appearance rather than an aggressive or sporty one. The design focuses on practicality and ease of use, reflecting the scooter’s role as a daily commuter. Overall, the Activa DLX combines a fuel-injected engine, automatic transmission, commuter-oriented chassis, and convenience-focused features in a package designed for routine urban transportation. It is built around simplicity, accessibility, and everyday usability rather than performance-focused specifications. |
| Expert Review | Built around an updated 349cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine, the Bajaj Dominar 400 continues to focus on long-distance touring capability while balancing everyday usability. The engine delivers strong mid-range performance and relaxed highway cruising characteristics, supported by a 6-speed gearbox and assist-and-slipper clutch. Its perimeter frame, upside-down front forks, and well-balanced chassis contribute to stable high-speed behaviour, while the upright riding position and spacious seating arrangement enhance rider comfort during extended journeys. Touring-oriented elements such as the windshield, wide handlebar, and luggage compatibility further reinforce its highway-focused nature. Modern features including LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation support, and digital instrumentation add practicality for daily riding and touring alike. The motorcycle's heavier kerb weight improves stability at speed but can feel noticeable during low-speed manoeuvres and dense traffic conditions. Overall, the Dominar 400 combines strong touring ability, refined performance, premium hardware, and everyday practicality within the sports tourer motorcycle segment., 4.5, MotoAutiv Team | The Activa DLX follows a formula that has remained largely unchanged because it is built around a very specific purpose. Rather than focusing on performance figures, extensive technology, or sporty styling, it concentrates on the routine demands of daily commuting. The 109.51cc fuel-injected engine delivers power in a predictable manner, making the scooter easy to ride in crowded traffic and frequent stop-start conditions. The riding position is upright, visibility is good, and the controls require very little effort, which contributes to an uncomplicated riding experience. Suspension tuning is aimed at typical city roads, where comfort and stability are generally more important than sharp handling. The DLX variant adds convenience features such as external fuel filling and a more premium finish compared to lower variants, but the overall character of the scooter remains unchanged. It is a scooter designed around familiarity and ease of use, with most of its engineering decisions focused on everyday transportation rather than standing out through performance or features., 4.2, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Bajaj Dominar 400? A: The latest Dominar 400 is powered by a 349cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Q: Is the Bajaj Dominar 400 suitable for touring? A: Yes. The motorcycle is designed with touring in mind and offers comfortable ergonomics, stable highway manners, a windshield, and support for touring accessories. Q: What mileage does the Dominar 400 deliver? A: Most owners can expect a real-world fuel efficiency of approximately 28–35 kmpl, depending on riding style, speed, and road conditions. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Dominar 400? A: The motorcycle comes with a 13-litre fuel tank. Q: Does the Dominar 400 have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard equipment. Q: What is the seat height of the Bajaj Dominar 400? A: The seat height is approximately 800 mm, making it accessible to a wide range of riders. Q: Does the Dominar 400 have Bluetooth connectivity and navigation? A: Yes. Recent versions include Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation through the digital instrument console. Q: What is the top speed of the Dominar 400? A: Under suitable conditions, the motorcycle can achieve approximately 150–160 km/h, depending on rider weight, weather, and road conditions. Q: Is the Dominar 400 comfortable for long highway rides? A: Yes. The upright riding position, spacious seat, windscreen, and stable chassis make it suitable for covering long distances. Q: Does the Dominar 400 have a slipper clutch? A: Yes. An assist-and-slipper clutch is provided to reduce clutch effort and improve stability during downshifts. Q: Is the Dominar 400 beginner-friendly? A: Riders with some experience can adapt to it comfortably, but its weight and performance may require a learning period for complete beginners. Q: How does the Dominar 400 differ from the Dominar 250? A: The Dominar 400 offers a larger and more powerful engine, stronger acceleration, and enhanced highway performance, while sharing a similar touring-focused design philosophy. Q: What type of motorcycle is the Bajaj Dominar 400? A: It is classified as a sports tourer motorcycle, combining long-distance comfort, highway stability, and everyday usability. Q: Are spare parts and service support easily available? A: Yes. Bajaj's widespread dealership and service network across India generally ensures convenient maintenance and spare parts availability. Q: Does the Dominar 400 support luggage and touring accessories? A: Yes. The motorcycle is commonly fitted with saddle stays, top racks, luggage carriers, tank bags, and other touring accessories, making it suitable for long-distance travel. | Q: What is the Honda Activa DLX? A: The Activa DLX is a higher-spec variant of the Honda Activa that adds convenience and cosmetic upgrades over the standard version. Q: Which engine powers the Activa DLX? A: It uses a 109.51cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine. Q: What is the power output? A: The engine produces approximately 7.8 bhp and 8.9 Nm of torque. Q: Does the Activa DLX have fuel injection? A: Yes. The scooter uses Honda's PGM-FI fuel injection system. Q: Does it have an Idling Stop System? A: Yes. The engine automatically shuts off during prolonged stops and restarts when the throttle is applied. Q: Does the Activa DLX have Smart Key technology? A: No. Smart Key functionality is available only on the Activa H-Smart variant. Q: Does it have Bluetooth connectivity? A: No. The Activa DLX does not offer Bluetooth connectivity or smartphone integration features. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The scooter has a 5.3-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The Activa DLX weighs approximately 106 kg. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is approximately 692 mm. Q: What braking system does it use? A: The scooter uses drum brakes at both ends supported by Honda's Combined Braking System (CBS). Q: Does it have external fuel filling? A: Yes. The DLX variant includes an external fuel-filler cap for easier refuelling. Q: What mileage can be expected from the Activa DLX? A: Real-world fuel efficiency typically falls between 45 and 55 km/l, depending on riding conditions and maintenance. Q: Is the Activa DLX suitable for beginners? A: Yes. The automatic transmission, low seat height, predictable controls, and manageable dimensions make it easy for new riders. Q: How is the Activa DLX different from the Activa H-Smart? A: The H-Smart variant adds Honda's Smart Key system with keyless operation, while the DLX uses a conventional key setup. Q: Is the Activa DLX suitable for highway riding A: It can handle occasional highway use, but it is primarily designed for urban and suburban commuting. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 203214 | | 88643 |
| Pros | Strong Touring Performance – The updated 349cc liquid-cooled engine delivers strong acceleration and highway cruising ability, making long-distance riding more effortless. Improved Mid-Range Power Delivery – The engine offers better tractability and stronger mid-range performance, helping with overtakes and relaxed highway riding. Excellent Highway Stability – The motorcycle feels planted at higher speeds due to its weight, chassis setup, and long wheelbase, contributing to rider confidence during touring. Comfortable Riding Ergonomics – The upright seating posture, wide handlebars, and spacious seat help reduce fatigue on extended rides. Premium Touring-Oriented Hardware – Upside-down front forks, perimeter frame, dual-channel ABS, assist and slipper clutch, and LED lighting contribute to the motorcycle's equipment package. Refined Engine Character – The liquid-cooled DOHC engine delivers smoother power delivery and better refinement across varying riding conditions. Touring-Friendly Design – The windshield, luggage mounting capability, and stable chassis make the motorcycle suitable for highway travel and touring accessories. Feature-Rich Instrumentation – Bluetooth connectivity, navigation support, digital consoles, and ride information displays add convenience for touring and everyday riding. Good High-Speed Cruising Comfort – The engine remains relaxed at cruising speeds, helping riders cover long distances with less strain. | Smooth and Predictable Engine Performance – The 109.51cc fuel-injected engine is tuned for everyday commuting, delivering linear throttle response and easy rideability in city traffic. Comfortable Riding Position – The seat, handlebar, and floorboard layout create a neutral riding posture that works well for short daily trips as well as longer urban commutes. Good Fuel Efficiency – The combination of fuel injection, Honda's eSP technology, and the Idling Stop System helps keep running costs relatively low. Light Controls and Easy Handling – Steering effort is low, the scooter feels manageable at slow speeds, and parking manoeuvres require minimal effort. External Fuel Filling Cap – Refuelling can be done without opening the seat, adding convenience during everyday use. Reliable Commuter-Oriented Package – The mechanical setup is simple and focused on routine transportation requirements rather than complex features. Comfortable Suspension for City Roads – The suspension is tuned to absorb common road imperfections such as speed breakers and uneven surfaces encountered during urban riding |
| Starter | Electric | Self/Kick |
| Transmission | 6‑speed manual (with slipper clutch) | Automatic |
